Saturday, 19 June 2010

Ten Questions with Temporary:Secretary

Ever since I featured her in Lipstick Royalty Magazine (even before it was called Lipstick Royalty, it was Inside Out back then!) I have loved the beautiful kitch jewellery Sarah from Temporary:Secretary produces. Naturally I had to catch up for her under the guise of yet another edition of Ten Questions!

What made you start Temporary:Secretary, and where did the name come from?

Temporary:Secretary is a song by Paul McCartney. When I worked as an intern at fashion company, they always played it and it has stuck in my mind ever since. It’s very catchy. The song is electro and a bit crazy and it is different to all the other stuff that Paul McCartney’s done. I started the company whilst I was still at university. Looking back, I’m not sure how I managed to cope with the business and my final year of studying. I studied Fashion Marketing and being a fashion student means that you often have to spend a huge amount on art materials and fabric – and those things aren’t cheap. So, at the time, it was just a way to earn some pocket money so that I didn’t have to live the typical student lifestyle every week (pasta does get extremely boring after a while!). I love making things so throughout the few years that Temporary:Secretary has been going, there’s been bags and clothes on the site – ones that I have made myself. It took a while for me to find me feet but accessories has become the main focus.

What inspires all of your different and whimsical designs?

I find inspiration in everything. I have an archive of sketchbooks from my fashion student days which is filled with things that inspire me. I love it when designs have a story behind it and a strong cohesive concept. My customers also inspire me. So much. I take on board all the suggestions and feedback from each and every one.

Have you always wanted to be a jewellery designer of work in the fashion industry?

I never considered being a designer but I have always known I wanted to be part of the fashion industry. Whether it be PR, buyer, stylist etc… I had more of an interest in clothes than jewellery and then lots of quirky jewellery started to appear and I can’t resist quirky!

Do you remember the first ever sale you made?

I do, indeed. It was for a pair of sunnies!

What is your favourite piece in the collection?

It changes from time to time. I went through a phase of wear with the Sweetheart Necklace. My favourite at the moment is the skull ring. I love it.

Where did the inspiration for the Alice's Teapot necklace come from?

The Mad Hatter’s tea party from Alice in Wonderland. I love miniature things and this teapot always reels in compliments, it is so cute.

What is the most memorable experience you've had running and designer for Temporary:Secretary?

There’s been a few. But one that always sticks to mind and the one anecdote I often tell is the first time I was featured in a magazine. I’d only just started Temporary:Secretary for about 2 months and I was contacted by a magazine to provide some jewellery for a photo shoot. A few months later, I saw the magazine in the newsagents and Fearne Cotton was on the front cover wearing a Sweetheart Necklace! I didn’t expect that at all and I was so happy about it. At the time, Temporary:Secretary was just a hobby but the moment I saw that cover, I wanted to take it much more seriously.

Have you seen any celebrities wearing your designs? Who would like like to see wearing them?

Only Fearne Cotton (for that photo shoot) and a band called the Pipettes (for their gigs) – I love the Pipettes! If you’ve not heard their old stuff, then you should definitely check it out. I would love to see any celebrity wear our products, I’m a total celeb junkie!

Are there plans to add anything else to your line other than jewellery?

Definitely! As mentioned before, I used to have a wider selection of products. From my university degree, I have an understanding of how to design, pattern cut, and manufacture so I would like to put those skills to good use one day and expand into clothing.

Anything exciting coming up for either you or your jewellery you'd like to share with us?

Exciting things that hasvealready happened so far this year are:

The new website launch; giving the site a make over was fun and I hope everyone is enjoying the new look.

Being featured in a book, a real book! One you can buy from WHSmith. I was dying to tell everyone about that and I finally could when the book was released a few months ago. (Hello Kitty Fashion Journal)

Having lots of our Alice In Wonderland jewellery featured in the magazines earlier this year.

I usually do things on a whim, or things kind of happen by luck. What I do know, though, is that lots more new products will be on the website and the website will be going through some changes throughout the year. Keep an eye out for Twilight theme pieces! 2010 has been a fab year so far and it is thanks to girls like yourself and your readers!

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